Lake clarity measurements have been taken continuously by UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) since 1968, when a white disk, called the Secchi disk, could be seen down to 102 feet. It is one of the longest, unbroken clarity records in the world. Secchi depth is the most widely used method of clarity measurement, and the values are consistent with laser-based measurements also taken by TERC researchers. Water transparency in Lake Tahoe is controlled by fine particles blocking light penetration either by scattering or by absorption. The decline in transparency is the result of accumplation of fine sediment particles and growth of small phytoplankton (algae). Fine sediments and nutirents are transporated to the lake by stormwater runoff, stream erosion, and through atmospheric deposition.
Average annual Secchi depth from the Lake Tahoe Index Station as taken by UC Davis.